Complete Guide to Wildflowers in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is known for its diverse wildlife and landscapes, but it is also home to some of the most colorful wildlife blooms each summer. 

With different species blossoming throughout the summer, these wildflowers dot the fields of Yellowstone National Park with bright yellow, red, purple, and blue. Because of Yellowstone’s high elevation, wildflowers bloom much later into the season than the surrounding valley, with peak season occurring mid-June through July. 

What Wildflowers Can Be Found in Yellowstone?

There are over 50 different types of wildflowers found throughout the park. Here are just a few of the most popular types: 

Indian Paintbrush – this bright red wildflower is one of the most iconic blooms in the Yellowstone region and Wyoming’s state flower. It is found mainly at higher elevations, starting around 5000ft.

Lupin – Mainly found in June, Lupin is a tall perennial bloom that is typically dark blue or purple in color. They grow from 12-48 inches high, making them some of the tallest wildflowers in the Yellowstone region. 

Common Yarrow – Small, white & yellow blooms around Yellowstone are known as the Common Yarrow. It is a broadleaf perennial that can grow up to 3 feet high with no branches except the tiny floral clusters at the top. 

Arrowleaf Balsamroot – This bright yellow wildflower is a member of the sunflowers family and typically grows in small, bush-like batches. They are found throughout Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park, typically blooming starting mid-June. 

Lewis’ Monkeyflower – One of the most common wildflowers in Yellowstone National Park, Lewis’ Monkeyflower has petals that range from pink to purple, with a yellow interior. They are one of the longest-lasting wildflowers in the park, blooming from early to late summer. 

Mountain Bluebells – Often found along streams and in meadows, Mountain Bluebells are the largest of bluebells and have the classic “upside down” oval-flowered look. In Yellowstone, they are mainly blue or dark purple. 

When & Where to See Wildflowers in Yellowstone

Many wildflowers can be found throughout the park, but the trick is knowing where to look. If you’re a wildflower fanatic who wants to see blooming fields in all their glory, you’ll want to hire a local Yellowstone tour guide who specializes in wildflower locations in the park. Here at CoveredGround Tours, we can plan a completely customized tour that focuses on seeing wildflowers through the park. 

When it comes to seasonality for wildflowers in Yellowstone National Park, here are some blooming timelines for different species: 

June: Arnica, Marsh Marigold, Wild Strawberry, Woodland Star, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Lupin, Glacier Lily, Globeflower, Yellow Violet, Elephant Head, Indian Paintbrush, Bitterroot, Shooting Star, Bluebells, Stickseed, Larkspur, Wild Iris

July: Twinflower, Elephant Head, Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, Lewis’ Monkeyflower, Wild Rose, Cinquefoil, Stonecrop, Yellow Pond, Prairie Smoke, Coralroot, Sticky Geranium, Monkshood, Forget-me-not, Penstemon, Harebell

August: Larkspur, Monkshood, Wild Flaw, Penstemon, Indian Paintbrush, Cow Parsnip, Yarrow, White Geranium, Groundsel, Stoncrop, Cinquefoil 

Blooming times also depend heavily on the weather. Before booking a wildflower tour in Yellowstone, check with the provider on the season. Long, cold springs may result in later blooms, while hot, dry summers may make certain flowers fade earlier than usual. 

Booking a Wildflower Tour in Yellowstone

If you are interested in seeing the wildflowers of Yellowstone with a tour guide, contact CoveredGround Tours here or give us a call at 307-250-3594.